The Ombre Blush Effect

August 20, 2014

I’ve discovered a new blush technique – the ombre effect.

I’m sure this is nothing new, but it just recently occurred to me to experiment with two blushes at a time to see how well they layer with one another. The key is to use two blushes that are the same undertone and similar in color, and to use the darker blush higher on your cheekbones and the lighter shade on just the apples of your cheeks.

You’ve seen me wear this cheek combo in a majority of my recent style posts. Starting with Tarte Amazonian Clay’s blush in Exposed, I take a fluffy cheek brush and blend the blush from the high point of my cheekbones up to my temple. Then, using an angled blush brush for a more precise application, I take Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Blush in Rebel Rose and pat that onto the apples of my cheeks and lightly blend upward. I am left with a subtle pink gradient effect on my cheeks, along with a more defined cheekbone.

Regardless of the blush colors you choose to use, be sure to blend out any harsh edges between the two shades; you don’t want it to be obvious that you’ve used two different products.

Have any of you tried this trick or have a favorite blush combination?